MILAN, Italy, June 17 (KUNA) -- Kuwait has one of the most appealing and attractive structures at Expo Milano, a view that is shared by many of the so far 300,000 visitors who have flocked to the global cultural melting pot.
Donatella Ramazotti, 25, says it was one of her goals to learn of a culture that has somewhat eluded her.
After pressing the dark green smiley button out of a total four smileys which respond to the question, "Did you enjoy the Kuwait Pavilion?", the Milanese said she would now consider visiting Kuwait.
Wang Youlin and Tang Wei, a middle-aged couple who came all the way from China, and describe themselves as "Expo fanatics", said they are at this year's event after having visited the previous in Shanghai, five years ago.
The design of the structure is what lured them in, in addition to "learning about another of Asia's great cultures," husband and father of two, Youlin, said.
Designed by globally acclaimed Italian architect Italo Rota the 2,790 sq m is a feast for the eyes and features an array of upright white material sails atop a bed of desert sand dunes.
In the evening, the sails light up into an array of red, white and green - the colors of the Kuwaiti flag along with black.
Another husband and wife, David and Veronica Silva, from Brazil, said that the souk area of the pavilion reminded them of their visit to Egypt.
The Kuwait pavilion is helping the spread of tolerance and understanding and it is also shedding a positive light on the sometimes negative image of Islam portrayed by some of the media.
Pavel Bukovskaya of Russia says he never knew that 'Arab Muslim people' were "so friendly" and welcoming.
"The staff of the pavilion were very friendly," he said. "They explained to me and showed me about Kuwait and life there. Before I thought there was only war (in the countries of the region)," said the 21-year-old.
The pavilion's current Deputy Director Mazen Al-Ansari says he is pleased with the daily numbers of visitors which, despite rainy and windy conditions, managed to notch a decent 8,400 people a day ago.
People here are used to the weather, and are used to having their umbrellas and mindset ready.
"I'm surprised with these numbers, and this indicates how much of a popular destination Expo is," he said.
With only hours left until the holy Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Al-Ansari took time to reflect on what the occasion means to many around the Muslim world.
"It is a month of acceptance and understanding," he said. "The religion of Islam is one of tolerance and absolute respect of all religions of the world." He mentioned that it is "a month to remember the poor and the hungry, and to be generous when the opportunity arises.. It is also a religious month when Muslims traditionally give more of their time to prayer and unity." Al-Ansari was referring to the unity of family, community and mankind.
During Ramadan in Kuwait, distant relatives are known to sit together at one table, while neighbors exchange dishes and people give away cooked meals to the unfortunate.
Some of the Kuwaiti staff employed at the pavilion have gone further from explaining the contents of the pavilion and have taken it upon themselves to dissipate several misconceptions about this peaceful religion.
"Some people have been surprised that I have come to this country (Italy) alone. They also have many misconceptions about Islam that I'm gladly open to explaining," said Saba Khraibet dressed in her traditional garb.
The Kuwait pavilion does pride itself on its Gulf, Arab and Muslim heritage, but it is also proud of being a tiny part of the international community.
Amongst its 140-nation peers, the Gulf nation stands out with its big heart and open arms like an oasis in the desert. (end) sd